1954 White Pictorial Map of Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, Colorado

A charming pictorial 1954 pictorial map of the Garden of the Gods and the Pikes Peak region in Colorado, prepared by Earl Franklin White.

A Closer Look

The recto includes a map of the Garden of the Gods on the outskirts of Colorado Springs, with abundant historical information, major attractions and rock formations, and roads indicated. Surrounding the map are illustrations, using the same red ink motif as the map, of rock formations in the park. Text opposite the map on the recto discuss Native American mythology of Manitou Springs and the explorations of Lt. Zebulon Pike, the first American to reach the area, in 1806.

The verso includes a wider map of the Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak area, including both practical information, such as modern roads and the distinctive Cog Railway, along with extensive historical notes, as on the recto. Although little is known of the maker of this map, it clearly was a labor of love, based on extensive research.

The Garden of the Gods

The Garden of the Gods is a public park located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, known for its stunning red rock formations and breathtaking views. Some of the early history of the region and its importance for the Ute people and early American settlers is discussed in the text opposite the map on the recto. Today, the area is a National Natural Landmark and a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and tourists. The park is especially famous for its towering red sandstone formations, which are over 300 million years old, and is a destination for a variety of outdoor activities.

Publication History and Census

This map and pamphlet were prepared by Earl Franklin White in 1954. There is no reliable information on White as several people with that name appear in Colorado in census records of the time, none of whom are noted as an artist or similar profession. The map is noted among the institutional collections of the University of Colorado Boulder, the Denver Public Library, Colorado College, the Pikes Peak Library District, and the historical society History Colorado.